THE CROSS STILL STANDS

      In preparation for my daughter’s wedding celebration several months ago, I fashioned a cross from a fallen tree using my chainsaw. The cross was to serve as the focal point for the ceremony as the couple exchanged their vows at the foot of the cross. During the week leading up to the wedding, a local ministry supplied some much-needed manpower. Several of the men helped assemble and erect the cross in my front yard.     

      A few weeks after the big occasion, I again enlisted the local ministry to assist me with another project. Some of the same men who had helped earlier participated. As one of the workers looked across the yard, he paused as his eyes fell on the cross. In a soft voice he stated matter-of-factly “The old cross is still standing.”

      My friend was correct in his assessment. The cross has stood for over 2,000 years and the cross still stands today. How? The cross still stands as…

• An emblem of suffering and shame (Hebrews 12:2);
• The power of God to those being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18);
• A symbol of servanthood, humility, and obedience (Philippians 2:5-8);
• A demonstration of God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace (Colossians 2:13-14);
• The manner in which sinners are reconciled to the Father (Romans 5:6-11; 2 Cor. 5:17-19);
• The path to experiencing eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23b);
• A call to follow Jesus as Lord without hesitation or reservation (Matthew 10:37-38, 16:24; Luke 14:27).

      Many hymns and songs have been written about the cross. One of my favorites is entitled “When I Think of the Cross.” The words summarize why the cross still stands.

Long ago in a far-away place, Rough rugged timbers were raised to the sky.
There hung a man suspended in space; And though He was blameless, They left Him to die.

 

He put an end to my guilt and despair; Turned bitter hating to sweet peace and love.
Even the men that put Him up there, Were offered forgiveness and life from above.

Chorus:

Just to think of the cross, Moves me now; The nails in His hands, His bleeding brow.
To think of the cross, Moves me now; It should have been me, Instead I am free,I am free!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the cross! Thank you for the nail-scarred hands! Thank you for the shelter in which I can hide! Thank you for accepting me just as I am! Amen.                                                                                                                                             

             Daniel